Study Programmes 2015-2016
PHYS3028-1  
Elements of physics II : mechanics
Duration :
15h Th, 20h Pr, 10h Labo.
Number of credits :
Bachelor in computer science3
Lecturer :
Matthieu Verstraete
Language(s) of instruction :
French language
Organisation and examination :
Teaching in the second semester
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite :
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Course contents :
This course aims to give students an understanding of the fundamental laws which govern the physical phenomena which surround us, and to understand the laws of electromagnetism, which describe the behavior of matter and systems (in particular in electronics) which computer scientists will use in their future studies.
Learning outcomes of the course :
One central outcome is to learn to model processes in a mathematical, algorithmic, and efficient manner.
The second step is to solve problems by reasoning either in a
  • reductionnist (e.g. division of a system into components and integration of the equations of motion) or
  • global fashion (using conservation laws, e.g. of energy).
A third learning outcome is the conceptual preparation for physical electronics and other optional courses later in the informatics curriculum.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills :
Basic mathematics, including trigonometry, vectors, projections and geometry... Refreshers are organized during classes.
The only prerequisite course module is mechanics PHYS3027.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods :
20 hours of practical sessions divided between:


  • 8 sessions of lab work on electromagnetism
  • 4 sessions of problem questions on mechanics and electromagnetism
At the end of each semester, a question and answer session is held, in view of preparing for exams.
Timetables are established at the beginning of each year.
Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning) :
All courses and problem sessions are in face-to-face format.
Information concerning the organization of the lectures and practical sessions will be communicated through myUlg and the web site of the Faculty of Applied Sciences.
Recommended or required readings :
All slides for ex cathedra classes are on MyULg
Reference textbook: Kane&Sternheim Physique (1986) Dunod ed. ISBN 2 10 007169 6
French translation by Ph. Ghosez, M. Hoebeke, et G. Llabres
Other references: * Physics Eugene Hecht
ISBN-10: 2744500186
* University Physics, Harris Benson ISBN-10: 0471006890
* Fundamentals of Physics, Halliday & Resnick ISBN-10: 0470469110
Assessment methods and criteria :
June: A written examination on electromagnetism with:
  • open questions
  • exercises
An exam on lab work, covering the labs studied during the semester
The final grade is a weighted average of the written exam in Electromagnetism (80%) and the lab exam (20%)
Work placement(s) :
Organizational remarks :
Contacts :
Prof. Matthieu Verstraete Universite de Liège Institut de Physique, Bat. B5, 3/7 Allée du 6 aout, 17 B- 4000 Sart Tilman, Liège Belgium
Phone : +32 4 366 90 17 Fax : +32 4 366 36 29 Mail : matthieu.verstraete@ulg.ac.be
Teaching assistant: Simon Collienne Tél : +32 4 366 9568 Mail: simon.collienne@student.ulg.ac.be
Items online :
PHYS3028 Lab work notebooks BAC1 INFO
Lab work (TP) notebooks and user manuals for labs done in BAC1 of computer science, for the physics II course on Electromagnetism

Come to the first lab with your own notes printed out, and with 5 euros cash to contribute to running costs in materials (resistances and capacities, fuses etc...)
PHYS3028 slides for chapters 16-20 on Electromagnetism
Powerpoint slides for course chapters on Electrostatics, Electrodynamics, Magnetism, Induced and AC currents, and an additional chapter (not in Kane and Sternheim) on semiconductors.